With reports of a large gathering being organised in the area this weekend and after some schools wrote to parents and carers urging them to speak to their children about the issues surrounding large park gatherings, West Midlands Police have said it will use dispersal orders to prevent anti-social behaviour this Saturday (11th July).
The areas affected are Rowheath Playing Fields and Pavilion, Woodlands Park, Cotteridge Park, Kings Norton Park and playing fields.
The statement reads:
Following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour, violence and reports of a planned illegal gathering at Kings Norton park this weekend, the neighbourhood team will be using dispersal powers tomorrow (Saturday 11 July) until 7am on Sunday (12 July).
The powers are granted under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and mean officers can direct anyone to leave the area whose behaviour is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress.
We will also have the power to seize items that are used to cause distress and the dispersal order will cover Rowheath Playing Fields, Rowheath Pavilion, Woodlands Park, Kings Norton park and Cotteridge Park.
The order will start at 12pm tomorrow and comes after reports that parties are being planned in the above locations with messaging being sent around encouraging people to bring their own alcohol and drugs.
Anyone wanting to report anti-social behaviour in the areas can contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101 anytime or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please mention the dispersal order.